Beijing Security Forum
China Hosts Beijing Xiangshan Forum Amid Heightened Regional Tensions and Security Disputes
Anonymous
Key Points
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The forum will consist of four plenary sessions and eight parallel breakout sessions, providing a more detailed structure for discussions on security and defense issues.
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The 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum will be held alongside the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, adding a dedicated Africa-focused dimension to the event.
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The United States delegation is expected to be led by Cynthia Carras, the Pentagon’s senior director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia; Vietnam’s defense minister and Malaysia’s deputy defense minister are also expected to attend.
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According to Singaporean security researcher James Char, Beijing may direct more criticism toward Japan than Washington because of current tensions in China-Japan relations and President Xi Jinping’s planned meeting with President Donald Trump later in the month.
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Argentine former Deputy State Secretary of Defense Diego Rafael Mazzoccone said the forum helps countries exchange views, find common ground and build mutual trust, highlighting its perceived practical value beyond formal security discussions.
China is hosting the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum from September 15-17, marking two decades of what started as a small defense dialogue. The event brings together military officials, diplomats and scholars from around 100 countries to discuss Taiwan, the South China Sea and other regional security challenges Global Times. Under the theme 'Build Consensus on Stability, Advance Security Governance Together,' Beijing frames the forum as a platform for equal dialogue and cooperation among nations Bastille Post.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun is expected to push Beijing's vision of international security and demand greater representation for Global South countries. China Global South reports the forum has evolved from a nongovernmental gathering into a Track 1.5 platform connecting officials and military leaders. The U.S. delegation will be led by Cynthia Carras, the Pentagon's senior director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, alongside defense ministers from Vietnam and Malaysia Bastille Post.
Four Sessions and 100-Plus Nations Gathering
The forum will feature four plenary sessions and eight parallel breakout sessions covering traditional and nontraditional security, global governance, regional conflicts and military technology Bastille Post. Around 200 experts and scholars are participating, alongside government and military officials from dozens of countries Global Times. The 4th China-Africa Peace and Security Forum will run alongside the main event, giving the Global South dedicated focus on continental security concerns.
Beijing's Pitch to Global South Nations
China is positioning the forum as a counterweight to Western-dominated security discussions. Defense Minister Dong Jun is expected to advocate for greater voice for Global South countries in international security debates China Global South. The forum introduces new youth-focused exchanges and closed-door academic sessions designed to build trust among nations often excluded from traditional security dialogues.
Japan May Face Tougher Criticism Than Washington
Analysts predict Beijing will direct sharper criticism at Japan rather than the United States during the forum. Bastille Post quotes Singaporean security researcher James Char: tensions in China-Japan relations and President Xi Jinping's planned meeting with President Donald Trump later in September make Japan a more likely target. This reflects Beijing's effort to separate diplomatic engagement with Washington from rising friction with Tokyo over territorial and historical disputes.
A Platform for Building Trust Beyond Official Channels
The forum serves practical purposes beyond formal speeches and photo ops. Argentine former Deputy State Secretary of Defense Diego Rafael Mazzoccone told Bastille Post the gathering 'helps countries exchange views, find common ground and build mutual trust.' Bastille Post notes the forum has evolved into an inclusive platform where nations can express security concerns and collaborate on shared challenges. This Track 1.5 format—mixing government officials with scholars and experts—allows for candid discussions that formal diplomacy often blocks.
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